Res. No. 701 Title Resolution calling upon the United Nations to recognize and observe Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur as well as other significant religious days. Body By Council Members Nelson, Comrie, Jackson, Clarke, Katz, Fidler, Recchia, Foster, Avella, Sears, Addabbo, Weprin, Brewer, DeBlasio, Gennaro, Gerson, Koppell, Liu, Lopez, Martinez, McMahon, Rivera, Sanders, Yassky and Quinn Whereas, The purposes of the United Nations, as set forth in its Charter, are to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and to be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these ends; and Whereas, Although demonstrably secular in nature, the United Nations shuts down for the Muslim holy days of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adah, but stays open for the holiest days on the Jewish calendar; and Whereas, Since the creation of the United Nations in 1945, it has shut down for Christmas and Good Friday, important Holy Days for Christians; and Whereas, The United Nations has even gone so far as to hold key addresses on Jewish High Holy Days, sending a very strong message to Jews in our country and around the world; and Whereas, The United Nations also stays open for significant Buddhist and Hindu Holy days; and Whereas, The Jewish High Holy Days, which begin with Rosh Hashana, which occurs on the first and second days of the Jewish month of Tishrei-the Jewish New Year-and culminate with Yom Kippur, which occurs on the tenth day of Tishrei-the Day of Atonement-- --are vital expressions of religious and spiritual faith for millions of Jews; and Whereas, Yom Kippur is the most sacred and spiritually important Holy Day in the Jewish calendar: It is a day when Jews all over the world ask forgiveness for their sins and fast for twenty-four hours: and Whereas, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are no less important than the Muslim Holy Days of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid-Al-Adah or the Christian Holy Days of Christmas and Good Friday, and in this respect the United Nations should give serious thought to shutting down over the Jewish Holy Days; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United Nations to recognize and observe Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur as well as other significant religious days. WA:bg D-Res. 2003 LS#1618 1/17/03 |1013|